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Posts: 132
Location: MN | I am looking to set up my 8 year old with his first musky rod and reel. I have plenty of rods, but am wondering what you think is a good solution of a reasonably priced reel. Looking for low profile so that he could hold on to the reel better. Any ideas? |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | Getting a reel with a crank on the same side as his spinning reel is a must. He will be able to use these reels far quicker than switching hands. |
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Posts: 169
Location: Houlton, WI | its pretty expensive but you could get him a curado |
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Posts: 531
Location: Hugo, MN | I'll second the curado, specifically the 300DSV if you want to save some bucks. With the new versions (300E, green in color) having been released last year, there are a lot of the old models on clearance and closeout for around $150. They're really a nice reel and as the kid grows it will still be a good fit. Very durable and casts like a dream. |
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Posts: 785
| Bass pro shops pm20a is a nice reel. It's also a bit lighter than the curado at only 9.2oz. Kdawg |
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Posts: 307
| I'm not so sure about having to have the handle on the same side as his spinning reel. I think it would have more to do with which hand he throws a ball with, since it would be more natural for him to use that hand as the forward casting hand. I remember that when I first made the switch from a spinning to casting outfit that it just felt natural to have the handle on the opposite side. Yes I am aware of the advantages that people claim with having a left handed reel, some I buy some I don't. In the end he needs to use what is most comfortable for him. Get him started practicing in the yard. Maybe let him use one of your reels and buy the model for him in left handed. If he shows a preference for the right handed reel, just take it in and exchange it. |
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Posts: 1756
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | I have 2 anti-backlash reels from ABU if you are interested send me a PM. |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | Plunker - 6/4/2009 8:53 AM
I remember that when I first made the switch from a spinning to casting outfit that it just felt natural to have the handle on the opposite side.
You'll have to explain this to me because I don't understand. If you have never held a baitcaster, just how would you know what "natural" is???? To me I would think "natural" would be the same as the spinning reel. But to each his own...... |
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Posts: 307
| Being right handed, naturally mine and most people have better fine motor skills with their right hand. Since the crank was on the right side naturally it felt a little more comfortable. Since there is much less reeling done with a spinning reel in general (I know not always but generally) you normally hold it with the hand that is more sensitive to rod twitches, which would be my right hand, and most people's in general.
In the end it really doesn't matter to me which side the child learns to reel a baitcasting reel with, but he should decide what is most comfortable for him. Not what us guys in the peanut gallery think he should learn with. |
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Posts: 132
Location: MN | Thanks for the info. |
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Posts: 135
Location: Irvine, KY | If he has EVER used a push button spincast reel then a right handed baitcaster will be no problem. I know when I first started fishing (age 3 or 4 maybe?) I had an old zebco like most people and a year later made the switch to a spinning reel. Later in life picking up a baitcaster was just like being 4 again and using that zebco... no problem for me. Ill second the Curado or maybe a 4500 or 4600 model Abu or smaller Okuma for a little less pricey option. |
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Posts: 416
Location: Madtown, WI | My Dad is one of those stubborn left handed reel guys. I'll never hear the end of why the left handed reel is better, but I have to laugh everytime he needs a new reel since left handed reel choices are very limited, so keep that in mind.
Like Plunker said, whatever is more comfortable for him. |
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| My nephew and girlfriends kid are 8. I fish lefty's and it worked out perfect for them(just as someone else had posted, if they had to switch they would not have enjoyed casting, plus you get more casts when you don't have to switch and the feel/sensitivity in your opposite hand is greater!) with abu 5500 small and light. Holds plenty of line and won't break. Spending $150 is ridiculous. Who has had a reel fall apart while catching a fish? If they did it just means they do not know how to maintain them. They both use about 6 and 6'3 rods. Remember to adjust the reel for the weight of the lure and they will not get rats nests. |
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